On the semisimplicity of tensor products of representations of groups (Q1320059)

For an arbitrary group \(G\), consider two irreducible representations \(V_ 1\) and \(V_ 2\) over a field \(k\) of finite characteristic \(p\). The main result says that \(V_ 1 \otimes_ k V_ 2\) is semisimple if \(\dim V_ 1 + \dim V_ 2 < p + 2\). There are similar results for tensor products with more than two factors, and for an exterior product. The proof involves many reductions. Eventually one uses the triviality of extensions between small irreducible representations of a semi-simple algebraic group. Here small means that the irreducible has its highest weight in the lowest \(p\)-alcove. The \(p\)-part of \(G\) is neutralized in an interesting manner. It is shown that \(G\) may be replaced by an algebraic group where this \(p\)-part lies entirely in the connected component of the identity.